Manuel Pellegrini insists Manchester City will travel to Old Trafford as underdogs despite sitting four places and 12 points above Manchester United in the Premier League table.

David Moyes has endured a wretched first season in charge since taking over from Sir Alex Ferguson in the summer.

And Pellegrini admitted at his press conference on Monday he expects to win the Manchester derby if his team play to their capabilities.

But the Chilean rejected the suggestion that United's struggles this season mean City will line-up at Old Trafford as favourites.

Pellegrini: "I don't think we are favourites in any game.

"That's why football is the most popular sport. You never who will win the match. There are so many things that can change the score.

"I think that we are in a good moment. We are playing against a big team in their own stadium so I don't think that we are favourites.

"We always expect to go there and win. But not because Manchester United have had a difficult season.

"If we play a good game, of course we have a chance of winning."

The City boss, who confirmed Sergio Aguero and Matija Nastasic are still unavailable through injury, admitted the derby was a 'special match' but insisted it was no more important that any other game in the title run-in.

Pellegrini added: That is why for our team all the games have the same importance because they have three points.

"But a derby has a special importance because we know the fans enjoy winning against Manchester United."